A former commander of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the individual who drove a pickup truck through a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans’s French Quarter, killing 15 people, described him as a “great soldier” who worked professionally and quietly during their deployment to Afghanistan. This former commander, Rich Groen, expressed shock and heartbreak at the news, highlighting the dangers of unchecked anger, isolation, and hate that can lead to such unspeakable atrocities. The transformation in Jabbar’s behavior from a disciplined soldier to a perpetrator of a terrorist attack is incomprehensible to those who knew him.
Jabbar, 42, was identified as the attacker who drove a truck into a crowd on New Year’s Day in New Orleans and was subsequently killed in a shootout with police. Despite some Republicans suggesting an immigrant was responsible for the attack, the FBI confirmed that Jabbar was a U.S. citizen and an Army veteran. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism and is working to determine if Jabbar had any ties to terrorist organizations. The incident left at least 15 people dead and around 30 others injured, as Jabbar drove around a police blockade and into people celebrating the new year.
Jabbar had served in the Army since 2007, deploying to Afghanistan in 2009 and then transferring to the U.S. Army Reserve in 2015 before leaving the military in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant. He was twice divorced and had converted to Islam, with his brother noting that his actions did not represent the religion. The FBI found a flag representing the Islamic State group on the truck’s trailer hitch and located potential improvised explosive devices in the vehicle and the French Quarter. President Joe Biden referenced videos posted by Jabbar indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing condolences to the victims and vowing to support the investigation.
President Biden has directed all available resources to federal, state, and local law enforcement to complete the investigation quickly and ensure there is no remaining threat to the public. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged people to avoid the French Quarter during the investigation, while former President Trump commented on the incident on Truth Social, linking it to his previous statements about criminals entering the country. The FBI is actively investigating the attack and seeking information from the public to identify any possible associates of Jabbar, emphasizing the importance of community support in such situations.
The attack in New Orleans has raised concerns about the potential for radicalization and the influence of extremist groups on individuals like Jabbar. The tragic incident has brought together law enforcement agencies at various levels to ensure a thorough investigation and bring any accomplices to justice. The community in New Orleans and across the nation has expressed grief over the loss of life and solidarity with the victims, as they begin the process of healing and recovery from the traumatic event. The FBI continues to work diligently to uncover all the facts surrounding the attack and to prevent future acts of violence.
